A node may receive, from a quantum key-distribution (QKD) device, a first message that includes an identifier associated with a key. The node may send, to another node, a second message that includes the identifier and a request to perform at least one task. A node may receive, from the other node, a third message that includes information associated with performance of the at least one task by the other node and information indicating a time of performance. The node may receive, from the QKD device, a fourth message that includes the key and information indicating a time window associated with the quantum key; wherein the fourth message is received after expiration of the time window. The node may process, based on the fourth message, the third message to determine whether the third message is valid and thereby cause one or more actions to be performed.